Your Guide to What's Up

UNO What's Up is the official weekly electronic news source for students at UNO. Issues are published each Monday on the Web at http://www.unomaha.edu/whatsup.php.

This site contains information and announcements about things you should know as a student and member of the campus community.

Registered student organizations that would like to post an announcement should e-mail it to unowhatsup@unomaha.edu. The items must relate to university events, announcements or notices, and must contain the name and phone number of a contact person.

The deadline for submission is two weeks in advance of the desired publication date. Any item submitted for publication may be edited for length or clarity. Receipt does not guarantee publication.

For more information, contact Becky Bohan Brown at 554.2243 or rbrown@mail.unomaha.edu.

Welcome Back with Welcome Week

Welcome Week at UNO will kick off the fall semester! A variety of special events are planned Aug. 21-24 to welcome new and returning students to campus. This year's theme is "Maverick Mojo - Welcome to it!"

Activities will be held each day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Milo Bail Student Center (MBSC) Plaza, including live music, free food and games. Free food for students, faculty and staff will be served each day starting at 11:30 a.m. The schedule is listed below.

Monday, Aug. 21
Theme: Putting Students First
Featured band: The Last Few (rhythm and blues band)
Activities: Basketball on the Plaza and NFL Challenge
Food: Meatball sandwiches

Tuesday, Aug. 22
Theme: Promoting Academic Excellence
Featured band: Anchondo (punk rock band)
Activities: Basketball on the Plaza and K-2 Challenge
Food: Chicken sandwiches

Wednesday, Aug. 23
Theme: Community Engagement - Sponsored by Union Pacific
Featured band: Sara Benck and the Robbers
Activities: Basketball on the Plaza and Dunk Tank
Food: Hot dogs

Thursday, Aug. 24
Clubs and Organizations Fair
DJ Music and Ice cream

For more information about Welcome Week at UNO, call Student Organizations and Leadership Programs at 554.2711 or visit the Web at http://www.unomaha.edu/welcome/.

The Massara Report

Greetings:

My name is Steve Massara, and I am the current student body president/ regent at UNO. I want to extend a warm welcome to all new and returning students! This academic year promises to be one of great excitement, execution and planning for the progression of UNO. As your student body president and lone representative on the Board of Regents, the governing body for the University of Nebraska, it is my duty to inform and communicate with you. Much has happened over the summer, so please glance over the following information.

One beneficial expansion to the university community is the new addition to University Library. This well thought out expansion will incorporate numerous group study areas, natural lighting, an outdoor garden and a café with booth seating. Stake out your spot because this will soon become the most popular place on campus. 

Groundbreaking on the new north campus dorms will take place soon, with a new parking structure and 384 new beds occupying the southwest corner of campus. This much-needed build will help alleviate the tremendous demand for on-campus housing and also address parking concerns.

The Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Building is also currently moving forward with renovation and expansion plans.  Be sure to check out the models and plans that will be displayed in the Milo Bail Student Center this semester. The improvement of natural lighting, expansion of the cardiovascular and strength training areas, and addressing the parking situation are key parts of the addition.

Also of importance, Student Government is sponsoring the Student Savings Club, a way to save money while hanging out with your friends or purchasing things you need. It is free for all students, faculty and staff. All you need to do is show your NU ID, and you will save! To find out what local businesses are participating, check the Web site at http://www.studentsavingsclub.com and find UNO under "For students - offers and discounts."

Finally, remember UNO Student Government elections are just around the corner. My term concludes at the end of the semester, and each of the 32 senators completes their term after elections Oct. 3 and 4.  Student Senate meets on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. and requires an additional hour of service each week in the UNO Student Government office. It is an outstanding opportunity to communicate with administration and develop working relationships with the university.

You can fill out your application online at sguno.unomaha.edu starting this week.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at smassara@mail.unomaha.edu or 554.3578.

Thanks for reading!

UNO Earns Top Tier Ranking in U.S. News

UNO received an upper tier regional best universities master's ranking in the U.S. News & World Report's 2007 edition of America's Best Colleges.This is the first year UNO has moved into the top-level Midwest tier.  The edition will be available to the public Monday, Aug. 21.

U.S. News gathers data in a variety of academic areas related to excellence to come up with its rankings.  Peer assessment, graduation rates, class size and student-faculty ratio are some of the factors considered. Improvements in UNO's graduation rate and a high peer assessments score helped bring the university into the upper tier.

"This ranking, which includes a peer evaluation score, shows we are viewed as a high quality institution by our professional colleagues," said John Christensen, vice chancellor for academic and student affairs at UNO. "We value these colleagues' opinions, which have consistently suggested that we are among the best."

The best universities-master's category is for institutions that provide a full range of undergraduate and master's programs, and (possibly) some doctoral programs.U.S. News ranked 557 universities in the category within four geographic areas – North, South, Midwest and West.

On a 5.0 scale for peer assessment, UNO scored 3.0.The top-rated university in the Midwest tier scored 4.1. UNO's average freshman retention rate is 74 percent, the average graduation rate is 36 percent, and the student faculty ratio is 18 to 1.

"UNO's ascent into the top Midwestern tier reflects the continuing commitment of faculty and staff to meet and exceed our students' needs and expectations," said UNO Chancellor Nancy Belck.  "I'm very proud of this achievement and commend the campus community for moving us forward on many fronts, including national rankings.  We'll continue to work hard to keep graduation rates and student retention on the rise."

UNO's numerical rank stands at 70th, tied with Edgewood College (Wis.), Mount Mary College (Wis.), University of Sioux Falls (S.D.) and University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

***

UNO also received notable rankings last spring in the U.S. News and World Report's 2007 edition of America's Best Graduate Schools. In the Public Affairs rankings, which were initially announced in the 2005 edition, UNO ranked 26th among 253 similar programs. The UNO public affairs program ranked 18th nationally among public institutions.

Specialty areas within the overall Public Affairs category were ranked individually. Those specialty rankings included:

- Information science and technology ranked eighth nationally among 12 similar programs.

- Public management administration ranked 27th nationally among 37 similar programs.

- City management and urban policy ranked 29th nationally among 32 similar programs.

- Public finance and budgeting ranked 21st nationally among 33 similar programs.

In the Social Sciences and Humanities disciplines, UNO's doctoral program in criminal justice ranked ninth nationally among 33 similar programs and third nationally among metropolitan universities.

In the Health disciplines, social work ranked 70th nationally out of 101 similar programs. Also, speech-language pathology ranks 62nd nationally among 124 similar programs and 56th nationally.

The 2008 edition of America's Best Graduate Schools will be available next April.

For more information, call 554.3502 or visit the U.S. News Web site at http://www.usnews.com.

MavCard Services Recarding Reminder

If they have not already done so, all currently enrolled students should stop by MavCard Services to receive the new MavCard.

MavCard, the official identification card at UNO, replaces the university's previous photo ID cards. Beginning Friday, Sept. 8, only newly issued MavCards will work on campus. The newly designed MavCard features the NU ID number, which is used for various services across campus.

MavCard Services is located on the second floor of the Milo Bail Student Center. Extended hours will be offered during the first week of the fall semester. The hours will be:

- Monday, Aug. 21, through Thursday, Aug. 24
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

- Friday, Aug. 25
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call 554.2100, or visit the Web at http://mavcard.unomaha.edu. For information about the NU ID, visit the Web at http://www.ses.unomaha.edu/registrar/nuid.php.

ITS Launches New myMail AntiSpam Service

On Aug. 8, UNO Information Technology Services (ITS) implemented a new myMail AntiSpam service. This solution is an award-winning hardware and software combination (Barracuda Networks) that identifies the majority of spam before it even gets to the UNO e-mail servers. According to ITS, current statistics show that 87 percent of the e-mail received by UNO is spam, viruses, phishing or worms.

All students, faculty and staff will have this service available and enabled by default. Users will be able to customize their personal settings, including requesting notification of quarantine messages, various e-mail delivery preferences, and opting out of having any e-mail quarantined or held for later review. Through individual control, the myMail AntiSpam service will help users to receive only wanted messages. A point to remember: No matter what precautions are put into place, some spam will get through. That is the nature of Internet e-mail.

The myMail AntiSpam Service Information Support Web site is located online at http://its.unomaha.edu/antispam.php. The site includes "frequently asked questions" (FAQ's) and a general "how to" guide.

The first time AntiSpam quarantines an e-mail intended for the new user, the system will send the participant a greeting message with a subject line of "User Quarantine Account Information." Note: This e-mail is not spam.

E-mail messages left in a user's quarantine inbox more than 14 days will be automatically deleted.

Users can access the myMail AntiSpam service in two ways:

1. A daily quarantine summary message is sent to the user's inbox with the subject line of "Spam Quarantine Summary." Open this message, scroll to the bottom of message, and click on the link to access full functionality of the myMail AntiSpam service.

2. Access the AntiSpam service online at http://antispaman.unomaha.edu. A current faculty, staff or student UNO NetID will be needed to access the site. This will open the user's myMail AntiSpam inbox.

For more information, contact ITS Customer Services at 554.HELP (4357) or unohelpdesk@mail.unomaha.edu.

New in the Library for Fall 2006

Effective Aug. 14, in order to more efficiently serve the campus community, University Library has instituted the following changes.

NU ID Number
The UNO community will now use the new NU ID number from the MavCard for library services, both on-campus and remotely. Users should present their MavCard at the Circulation Desk to check out materials and will use their eight-digit NU ID number to access library resources from the library's Web site. MavCards can also be used to purchase copies from the library's photocopying and print centers.

Renewal-Free Library Accounts
Currently enrolled/employed UNO students, faculty and staff are no longer required to renew their library registration each semester. Shortly after enrollment, students will be automatically entered into the Integrated Library System. Accounts are matched to current registrar and personnel data. "Needing to re-register every semester was too inconvenient, so we worked with ITS and the registrar's office to streamline the process," said Steve Shorb, dean of University Library.

E-mail Communication
Effective fall 2006, the library will exclusively use campus e-mail addresses (@mail.unomaha.edu) to communicate information regarding library accounts and related services.

Wireless Printing
Wireless printing is now available throughout the library. Visit the Reference Desk for assistance in setting up your laptop for printing to the Network Print Center. Only PC platforms are currently available.

UNO Bookstore Hours Announced

In conjunction with the start of the fall semester, the UNO Bookstore will observe the following schedule:

Aug. 21-26
- Monday through Thursday
7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

- Friday
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- Saturday
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Fall Library Hours Announced

Fall hours are officially under way at University Library. The fall schedule is as follows:

Monday through Thursday
7 a.m. to midnight

Friday
7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday
Noon to midnight

Remote Parking Available at Crossroads Mall

Remote parking for UNO students, faculty, staff and visitors is available at the Crossroads Mall parking structure from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday when classes are in session during the fall and spring semesters.

The Crossroads Mall parking structure is located at 72nd and Cass streets. Parking is only permitted on levels 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Vehicles that are parked illegally may be towed, without further notice, at the owner/operator's expense.

The shuttle bus service from the remote parking area is provided free of charge, and no parking permit is required.

Shuttle buses load and unload at the southwest corner of the Crossroads Mall parking structure approximately every 15 minutes. It stops in two locations: north of the Durham Science Center and north of the Milo Bail Student Center (MBSC). The shuttle buses return directly to Crossroads Mall after stopping at the MBSC.

The remote parking shuttles are marked to distinguish them from the shuttle buses that service the shuttle parking area on the south campus.

For more information, contact Campus Security at 554.2648.

Parking Permit Sales

While quantities last, student and graduate teaching assistant (G.T.A.) parking permits and parking structure access cards will be on sale Aug. 21-25 in the Milo Bail Student Center (MBSC). During this time, visit the MBSC Dodge Room, located on the third floor, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

After 6 p.m., stop by the Campus Security service counter, located in 100 Eppley Administration Building (EAB). For the remainder of the year, permits may only be purchased at the Campus Security Office (100 EAB).

For more information, contact Campus Security at 554.2648.

Group Ex Classes Kick Off this Week

Campus Recreation and the Wellness Stampede have teamed up to host a variety of group exercise classes this fall at UNO.

All classes will be held in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Building. Group Ex classes are free to all students and current Campus Recreation activity cardholders.

Introduction classes will be held Aug. 21-25 according to the following schedule:

Monday
- Cardio Crunch
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
100 Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Building
Seletha

Tuesday
- Turbo Kick
5:30 to 7:45 p.m.
100 HPER
Lauren

Wednesday
- Mav Pump
7 to 7:50 a.m.
230 HPER
Laura F.

- W.E.T
5:30 to 6:15 p.m.
HPER Pool
Laura H.

Thursday
- Beginning Pilates
230 HPER
Theresa

Friday
- Cardio Kickbox
110 HPER
Demaka

To access the full Fall Group Ex Weekly Schedule, click on the following link:

Fall Group Ex Schedule

Classes will not be held Sept. 4, Oct. 16-17 and Nov. 22-24.

To have a schedule faxed or mailed to your office, call University Affairs at 554.2358. For more information, contact Dave Daniels at 554.2008.

Members Sought for University Chorus

Calling all singers - University Chorus is looking for you!

University Chorus, a mixed chorus of more than 70 singers, is open to all students, faculty and staff. The group meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 12:50 p.m. in 105 Strauss Performing Arts Center.

"This ensemble is designed to meet the music needs of singers who wish to continue their choral experience," said Matthew Harden, assistant professor of music at UNO. "It is a performing organization that has varied programming but emphasizes larger choral works."

The University Chorus performs two concerts a semester, and collaborations with other Omaha arts groups are constantly sought.

For more information, contact Dr. Harden at 554.3608 or mharden@mail.unomaha.edu.

2006-07 Ombudspersons Named

The UNO Office of the Ombudsperson announces its trio of ombudspersons for 2006-07. They are:

- John McKenna, professor, UNO Department of English, 554.3328;

- Marti Rosen-Atherton, director, UNO Department of Counseling, 554.2409; and

- Rebecca Wymer, library technician, University Library, 554.3638.

The office, established at UNO in 1970, receives and investigates complaints. Students, staff, faculty and administrators may request this service.

"Although the ombudspersons cannot assure that everything sought or requested by an inquirer will or should be granted, they will try to assure that a fair resolution of a dispute or problem is found," said Sharon Ulmar, assistant to the chancellor with the UNO Office of Diversity. "Feel free to contact any ombudsperson for assistance."

The office receives and investigates complaints relating to faculty, staff and student grievances; inquiries about procedures; and inadequate or lack of communication, among other issues. Ulmar oversees the activities of the ombudspersons.

For more information, visit the Web at http://www.unomaha.edu/ombuds.php.

Six-Week Yoga Session Begins Sept. 6

Campus Recreation and the Wellness Stampede will offer two six-week Yoga sessions this semester.

Classes will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in 230 Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Building. The cost is $30 for students, $40 for faculty and staff activity cardholders, and $50 for non-activity cardholders. The schedule is listed below.

Session One
Sept. 6 through Oct. 11 (Class will not be held Sept. 4)

Session Two
Oct. 23 through Nov. 29 (Class will not be held Nov. 22)

The instructor will be Amy C. Anderson, a certified instructor with the Omaha Yoga and Bodywork Center. Anderson's class will cover relaxation and warm-up Yoga postures.

Individuals may sign up in 100 HPER. For more information, call 554.2539.

Smokers Sought for UNMC Study

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Pulmonary Clinical Studies Unit is seeking people who wish to quit smoking for enrollment in a yearlong study that will use nicotine vaccine (NicVAX®) and smoking cessation counseling. There will be four to five vaccine injections over a six-month period.

To be eligible, individuals must:

- Be at least 19 years of age;

- Smoke at least 15 cigarettes per day;

- Be in good general health;

- Have a hard-wired phone at home to transmit electronic diary information; and

- Be able to make visits every one to two weeks during the first 16 weeks of the study.

Eligible subjects will receive compensation for participation. For more information, call 559.8296 or send an e-mail to mlcarlso@unmc.edu.

Maverick Watch

Fall sports officially get under way this week at UNO. Support your Mavericks by attending their home events. Students are admitted free to all home athletic games with proper ID. The spouses and children of faculty and staff also are admitted free.

At home this week...

Thursday, Aug. 24
Soccer vs. Minnesota-Crookston
Ak-Sar-Ben Soccer Field
5 p.m.

For more information about UNO Athletics, visit the Web at http://gomavs.unomaha.edu/.